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| December 18, 2009
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Georgia DOT Repeals Toll Prohibition |
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The Georgia Department of Transportation has lifted a ban on projects that place tolls on existing traffic lanes as part of a Managed Lane System Plan, a proposed network of optional toll lanes that would span the Atlanta region.
Georgia's Transportation Board repealed the ban last week, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. It had been instituted in 2005 following public outrage over a proposal to rebuild Georgia 316 and pay for it by tolling all lanes. That proposed was later withdrawn. Initial toll projects planned by GDOT won't affect regular lanes. The plans call for either put a toll on existing HOV lanes or building new lanes that would be tolled. GDOT officials stressed last week that putting a toll on a regular traffic lane in addition to these measures would be done only in rare cases. "It would be an issue of last resort and something we probably won't be touching for a couple years," said Todd Long, GDOT's planning director. Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke said GDOT had no other choice but to lift the ban. To do the projects the region needs, he said, "it's going to cost us a bunch of money." Questions regarding this article may be directed to editor@aashtojournal.org. |